Archive for the ‘hair care’ Category

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but wanted to give a little update on my routine. My hair has endured health issues and unintentional neglect this past year and, surprisingly, continues to thrive. I have established an even simpler routine that works. My hair is 10-12 inches stretched, major shrinkage.

Shea Essentials Hair Butter, (dry scalp and hair formula), 4 oz. $6.75. Truly a multipurpose product and perfect for cold weather. I use this for scalp massages, hot oil treatment, pomade, and sealant. Ayieta (owner) also has a new Protein Rich Natural Hair Milk (6 oz., $8.00) with the ingredients we like to see in hair products. I also purchase my shea butter, (8 oz., $6.00, free shipping) from Shea Essentials. This shea butter + almond oil is used for my hair and skin.

Oils: Mustard, almond, and olive oils. Don’t sleep on the mustard oil, though. Mustard oil is rich in beta carotene, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 acids. I purchased this at an Indian market, 8 oz., $3.99. No itchy scalp or dry hair since using this oil. I’ve even noticed a little hair thickening which is an added benefit.

I’ve been gone for a minute and can’t believe the new products, companies, and distributors we have for natural hair. It’s definitely a good thing and the right time for them. Yay for us!!!

Beija Flor Naturals is a natural products company based out of California. Their vegan/organic body care line includes products for the hair, face, and body. Beija Flor Naturals can also be found in the GreenPeople.org directory, which is a cool directory of ecofriendly companies. Their products are available for purchase at Beija Flor Naturals.com, as well as on Etsy at Beija Flor Naturals.

PRODUCT : Creme Brulee for Kinks, Curls, and Coils, 8 oz., $12.95. This is an everyday leave-in moisturizer. In total, an infusion of 13 premium natural ingredients create a light cream texture that is perfect for all natural hair types.

APPLICATION: After co-washing my hair with Taliah Waajid Herb Enhancing Conditioner, I squeezed out excess water. I then applied the Licorice Root Scalp Elixir to scalp with fingers and massaged in. Next, I parted my damp hair in four sections (parted down the middle and from side to side). I applied a finger full of Creme Brulee for Kinks, Curls, and Coils to each section, from root to tip, concentrating on my ends. I instantly felt the product smoothing my hair strands. The Creme Brulee has a light whipped, creamy texture and a yummy, light cinnamon/nutmeg spice smell which dissipates after application.

RESULTS: The Creme Brulee for Kinks, Curls, and Coils absorbed instantly in my hair, smoothing my coily strands from root to tip. Even my fuzzy hairline behaved. After applying product to each section, I put my hair in a ponytail to airdry. No other product was necessary.

What I like about this product:

A standalone product. No other product necessary.

My hair was frizz free, soft, and defined.

The Creme Brulee is nongreasy and doesn’t weigh down hair. I had plenty of bounce and movement.

VERDICT: The perfect curly hair product for me because I didn’t need any other products with it. Will definitely order more.

RESULTS: I have mild eczema and I purchased unscented Hemp Buttercream. It’s a great hair moisturizer, but an even better body butter. I used this product for bunning which works best when applied to wet hair. I slather this on after a shower and my skin stays moisturized and flake-free all day.

Here are a couple of progress pics. This is the length where I usually get frustrated and cut my hair down to a twa. We’ll see if I can make it to January 2010 without cutting it.

I’m wearing buns as a protective style. Hair and scalp issues are much better. Very little shedding and scalp is no longer irritated. I think the addition of amla and herbal tea rinses have helped tremendously. I didn’t think my fine hair could get thicker, but amla has definitely helped in that department. Will post more pics soon.

These are pics of my hair growth since February 2007, which was my last big chop. My hair length at that time was about 1 inch. Currently, my hair is 10 inches in front and back is 12 inches. I trim my hair 3-4 times a year, so I lose a couple inches a year due to that. Here is proof that with good hair care and patience, black hair does grow.

Thanks to all of you who inquired about how I was doing. I really appreciated that.

Physically, I’m feeling so much better, but hormones ain’t no joke yall! The changes they can take your body through are unreal. I’ve learned it’s important to put myself first, especially when my body tells me something is wrong. I gotta do better with that.

My hair? Currently, it’s a hot mess. I really haven’t felt like doing much with it and it shows. I’ve experienced a lot of growth, but also have had some hair loss in certain areas. Not good. At this point, I really don’t know where to begin, but I think it’s time to try some new products.

Afroveda’s Shea-Amla Whipped Butter Creme is an amazing product. Best. Damn. Butter. Period. Lightly scented, filled to the brim, and very moisturizing. A little goes a long way and it’s under $10.00. Say what? Thank you Afroveda. Also, Afroveda’s blog spot announced a new protein-free condish, Prana Green Tea Conditioner, which will be available October 1, 2009. Great news for those of us who are protein-sensitive. Can’t wait to try it. Cool blog. Sign up so you won’t miss out.

I have a lot to write about. Stay tuned for product reviews for hair and body, including products for us more mature ladies who are experiencing peri- and menopausal issues. You are not alone.

Hey everybody! I haven’t been up to blogging lately due to some major health issues I’ve been putting off, which now have to be addressed. I just wanted to give a little update on my hair. If you haven’t purchased any of Darcy’s Botanicals products yet, please try them. The Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme’s performance is consistent, and has been the one go to product that has madethe difference in the health of my hair. My hair tangles less, has more shine, and is growing like crazy. I’m definitely a minimalist when it comes to putting products in my hair and love the fact this product lasts a long, long time.

As my hair grows longer, the more obvious the three hair textures on my head become. The Madagascar Styling Creme gives each texture exactly what it needs; moisture, shine, or softness. Take a look.

NAPE: Where majority of tangles occur. This is the only part of my hair that has shine without product.

HEADBAND AREA: Halo of frizz in front, side to side, with mad shrinkage (and gray hairs creeping back in. lol.).

CROWN: – This area grows the fastest with wavy, loose curls that never tangle.

I actually don’t have any hair problems to report. Nope. Nada. Nothing. Since the weather is warmer, shea butter is no longer required, so shampooing weekly not necessary. My hair is doing fantastic with just these basics.